Highlights
- •Depression and anxiety are both common in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- •Despite their high prevalence and comorbidity, greater attention has been given to depression in MS.
- •Much less is known about the impact and risk factors of anxiety in MS.
- •The present investigation was conducted to develop a better understanding of the impact of depression, anxiety and comorbid depression and anxiety on disease symptoms, disease management, psychological well-being, and quality of life in MS.
- •We also examined the demographic and disease-related risk factors associated with depression and anxiety and the role of social support and substance use.
Abstract
Background
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often plagued by the unpredictability
of their disease and have to contend with uncertainty in their life and significant
life changes. This can lead to high levels of stress, perceived lack of control, helplessness,
and anxiety. Despite these circumstances, anxiety disorders are often overshadowed
by depression, which can result in its presence being overlooked and undertreated
by many medical professionals.
Methods
One hundred and eighty three individuals with MS completed a comprehensive online
survey assessing depression and anxiety and the demographic and disease risk factors
of such, including social support and substance use. Participants also completed measures
of MS symptomatology, disease management, psychological well-being, and quality of
life to determine the impact of depression and anxiety on outcomes associated with
MS.
Results
Findings suggest that both depression and anxiety are prevalent in MS and related
to many outcomes. However, based on comparisons of the associations and group comparisons,
with a few exceptions, anxiety proved to more impactful than depression when examining
these outcomes. When evaluating the risk factors/contributors of anxiety and depression,
social support was a consistent predictor. Younger age and shorter disease duration
were also associated with anxiety, while lower education and substance use were predictors
of depression.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that attention to anxiety be given as much as depression as it plays
a large role in individuals’ perceived health and well-being, which subsequently impacts
the severity of symptoms and overall quality of life. Early identification of anxiety
and potential substance use and increased social support also appear to be crucial
for mitigating the impact of depression and anxiety.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 06, 2020
Accepted:
June 1,
2020
Received in revised form:
May 10,
2020
Received:
April 7,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
